10 THE DAILY EVENING BlkGRAPE TRIPLE SHEET PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1868. CHRISTMAS COLUMN TEE MISTLETOE KISS. A CtlRIBTMAS BONO. Winter is weary t md winter 's drear t CotjbIh Annette, do you think it's trnef There isn't a month in the long, long year Hut alngB when I'm summoned away to yon 1 Though yellowing leaves in the path are sad, And mournfully echo our travelling feet; Still something saya to my heart, be glad 1 For love id an evergreen-plant, my sweet t Dull December's a mournful theme I Cousin Annette, do you think so f There's nothing bo drear as the dreary scheme Of winter's sorrow and winter's snow. Let fanciful poets indulge in grief, And every woe in the world repeat; But Jove has been at his trioka, the thief I And stolen a heart, and regret, my sweet t Berries on holly proclaim 'tis cold ! CouBin Annette, I am warmer thus; A Land and a waist if my arms enfold, The hand and waist will be oozy, puss 1 For here we can Bit and defy the wind, Though panes are rattled with blinding Bleet, And happily one of us thus may find That winter is best fur us both, my sweet t Mistletoe grows on the oak, they Bay ! Cousin Annette 1 Bhe is fast asleep, But this is a dangerous game to play, For wandering rogues may on tiptoe oreep. The miatletoe's beckoning over her heal. My fluttering heart, you must cease to beat; Sleep eoft t while over the lloor I tread And wake at the touch of my lips, my sweet I Winter is bringing the travellers home I Consin Annette, have I cause to fear Lest one loved better than I may come To claim the hand that is resting here f The falsest women are fair as yon, And lips as pretty have sworn deceit; But on my honor I'd swear you true As true as the rose at your breast, my Bweet 1 Winter is long 1 ay, winter's long ! Cousin Annette, is it time to go f Terchance the lover and love-Bick song May melt forever with winter's snow? The dearest thoughts In the heart lie deep Through snows of winter and rose-time heat, But if your memory tries to sleep, Remember the mistletoe kiss, my sweet I LAYING THE GHOST. AN ENGLISH CHRISTMAS STORY. This is the story of two or three connected incidents, not quite every day, which beteli me, Hugh LiTfsay, a tew years ago. Or, in more concise words and ghost stories beiog the proper thing at Christmas thi is the story of the lajioi; the ghost of a difficulty. At the time 1 introduce m yseU to yo, I, Hugh Livesay, son and heir of Henry Livesay, Esq., ot Uolber Holt, Leicestershire, wa an under graduate of Christchurcli, of three years' stand ing, spending his 'long' with his uncle, his mother's brother, Mr. Smith Pentland, solicitor. The Close, South wich. I had many grander relatives, especially on my father's tide; none other who had so much of my respect as this provincial lawyer with more thaa a provincial reputation. I don't bonst ot it, for I havo not Been many men who could afford to look, down upon Smith Fectlaud; I have seen as few who ventured to do it. To bring one proof of his stiperiority he had to meet the clever man's eufireme difficulty of bearing with incompe tency, aud he subdued it thoroughly. nevertheless, where he saw youth, and health, and intellect it was his theory that opportunity 6iiouiii De measured apart be was not easy to satisfy: the idle found him a hard taskmaster. In these respects ray uncle was fairly content with me, but he was oue of those who love to resort to argument for the take of . discovering what their opponent is made ot. I am saying nothing for or against the practice, simply that he followed it. Aud a 'avorite course with him was to challenge us university men. 'The question is, are not you specialties ?' ho said, one day over our after-dinner wine. You may picture my uncle a fine old figure, With great ridges of brows below an abuudauee of white hair, retined, almost gentle eyes, but marked caustic mouth, with somewhat larne hps. There were those who went in fear of my nncle's sarcasm, but they did not fare best with, him. 'The question is, are not you specialties?' 'Now you have put a bard ease, sir,' said I. 'Because, althoueh it is not the truth, it is next to it. To my miud no man ts more capable than your better sort of Oxford man.' 'lhatis, put your Oxford nun into an unusual and diflicult position, he will come out of it more creditably than your ordinary man V 'I think so, sir.' 'It is contrary to'tho received notions, Hugh.' 'Hut I do think it.' It was oue pleasaut feature in my unchVs lu tcicourpe with young men, tb.nt he treated them as j ojsibly his equals in intelligence, if not iu judgment. And this without at all risking his dignity. The consequence whs that young men tried to talk np to bun. 'Berioiihly. doii't jou think you are too finished an article for common use? I have my doubts of you, Ilifib, although my offu boy is jut going to C'ambridec.' 'I wish jou could put one of us on. his trial.' I raid, not con.eutini to iiis opiuion. 'Mo, sincu no one else ollirf.' 'I'll take you at tout word, Hneh,' said my uncle, suddenly. 'Mind if you don't win to do what I ii s k, say so; I shnll respect your scruples. 1 want you to en to a gentleman's house in the ni-iuhborhood it is just the case you desire, tlint 1 should make a real use of you and take au inventory of the property ou Uis prfmites.' There is no doubt I was a great deal diamaved my uucle's uuusuul an i difficult uo-itlou had certainly not taken this forin lo my miud. II is In a decree a friend of mine; but what more influences me, he is a preat friend of great friends o( miue. One of these will advance him money lor present necessities, but requires a bill ot sale on his furniture and horses and carriucesas security. It h to be arranged lor as early and privately as nossibly. Now there is not a clerk in my ciUce I cau trust as I ought to be able to trod you. My clerks contract a habit of reticence, I know, but tbey are as likely as not to beiray that their errsnd is something sinister and unusual in their very effort not to do so. Iu fact, if a pen' Ionian were to be found lor such work, be Is what is wanted. And jou say Oxford men are po capable;' my uncle push ing bue his chair, and looking sharply at me as he ceased speakim?. 'You would like mo to undertake U?" said I, dubiously. 'If Sou would, you nee me out of a (Mfflcnlty. However, it you at all object, there's an end. I'm thinkiutt for tba ladies ot Mr. Guest's lamily mostly. You wouldn't, you know, want to mention jour relationship to me or anything of that sort: jou mav not even see any bt the family tilthouah, honestly, I think you will.' In spite of what he said about there being an end to it if I objected, yet, as he wenton enume rating the fois and agaiusts, I saw which wav his wishes tended. Beside?, it htruek me hslf the trial might be in sr tin ar whether I co ld overcome my teluctance. So 1 made up my mind. Well. I will do my best, 6lr. To-morrow do yon fay? I suppose it's chairs aud tables I'm to value. How am I to know what to call 'em,' and I lauehed without much satisfaction; 'or yhetU'r they be wtrth shjUins or pound V As to call Is g them,' said my uoclc, looking pleased, 'there'll be a list thore ready for you. Your aunt and Flo nii'ht Initiate you in'o prices An evening's amusement provided for you all 1' Thst seemed likely to t) the only arreeabla Item in the accouut. Florence kindly took a great deal of the burden otT her mother, and we twt made famous progress considering a rtiroi.lc flirtMion between us of some years standing However, next morning, when fairly started behind a good horse for my twelve miles' drive to Cullerton Houe, aflairs took a different com plexion. The business itself did not trouble me much; what I did not know I could firms at by audacious guessing, and reference to Fiorenvt on my return. For the rest, wai I not to demon stra'.e the capability of the Oxford man by tba very fact of my tutored ability to carry off awk ward clrcumstai ces? Ou my arrival at Culler ton House, a place of some pretensions, I scut in my card and a note my uncle had written, speaking of me as a gentleman whom he em ployed confidentially. Waiting in a well -lined library for further dlrceilct-s, with a new sense of strangeness lo such a place, I smilingly re curred to my uncle's advice not to go quite as for a morniua call. By-and-by Mr. Ouesi in ado his appearuuee, very hurried and embarrassed. 'Mr. Livesar, I believe,' referring to uiy car l, which he held in his hand. 'Come upon ah Mr. Hmitli reutlnnd'u business.' I bowed. How would it do to betrin here at once?' Im went on to say, with the air ot a man screwing up his coutHgc to taking the first uncomtcrlabia header, but only equal as yet to d.ibbl'ng in the water. 'It may be as well to exercise u little artifice. You arc waiting for me hero, you ub understand. Aud it' the servants come in ' 'There Is occupation for bo Tie minutes of Waiting on these shelve?, sir,' 6aid I, gravely. Exactly, Mr. Hvcay. Then here is a list for your guidance. 1 will return in a few minutes.' And to get himself out ot the room so quickly appeared nn nlmo-t astounding relief to htm. Completely beaten though he was by the present humiliating situation, one could sec that by nature ho was arrogant snd somewhat over bearing. I could well understand what my uncle tpoke of as Mr. Guest's perfect inability to keep within bis income; for to him the small but very necessary economies ot life would pro bably seem paltry and degrading. However, he bad bought a contrary experience, and was now paving lor it. We young fellows are more apt at detecting the absurdities than the hardships of such, situations, and only behave well about them because, as men of the world, wc do not, in our phraseology, go in for the embarrassing. But in rather an odd way was I to feel the pathos also. In going through tho lht prepared for me, I could not fad to perceive -here aud there a blotch of ink, hinting very sensibly at tears spent in the writing. It was the work of a lady one of tho guests themselves, probably. Should 1 see her? and how would she take it? Was anything to be made out from her work manship? 1 set myself to examine it, but whether or not I have small penetration into character, it told me little. There was clear arrangement ccrtaiuly, and completeness, if that went any way and it did, when one thought also of the blurred ink spots. Voices oatside warned me to put an end to my speculations, and made haste to be ready lor Mr. Guest's return, which was only a degree less flurried than his first entrance. 'I think, Mr. Livesay, if jou would follow a plan ' Which plan, untoldcd with much hesitation and dif fusiveness, had evidently been prepared for him outbide. It was that luncheon should bo ready in an hour in the dining-room. Mr. Guest was mean while to conduct me upsta rs, ai it for a little) attention to my toilet atter my journey. 'And the rest you cau carry iu your mind as you p3 through. A very handsome bird, as you remark, and well stuffed. ' We were now in the hall and a servant was passing. 'John, are the ladies in the breaking;,-room ? Come, and be introduoed to my daughters, Mr. Livesay.' I could see that this, donethe more effectually to mystify the servant, whs bitterer work than any. He betrayed it by the very sharpness of tone, momentary as It was, in which be imme diately atter furnished me with certain Informa tionas if to warn me not to presume upon an introduction that could not be avoided, but which went for nothing in the ordinary sense. I dare say the cautious, almost shy circuit my eyes made ot the room and its inmates was ascribed by Mr. Guest to rny sufficient sense of all this Mies At.ce Guest, the younger of the two ladies of the family, was sitting iu a spirit less attitude by the fire: MUs Guest herself, a girl of about twenty, was writing at the table. Aud, although there were traces of tears on her face, and she could not help looking downcast, yet she was sufficiently composed to think for the best, and try to be conciliatory, as the most politic course. She was not quite pretty, but altogether nice; had nice soft, gentle ways which did not in the least prevent her, as 1 was not long in finding out, lrom being tho ruling power in the house. Indeed, with no one el-e did there seem to remain anv judgment or en deavor. 1 felt for her very keenly when, upon hur lather appealing to her lor the explanation of eomethiiig in the inventory not quite clear to either ot us, she came across to u aud poiuted nut what we required quite patienily aud intelligently, although all the while her poor hand trembled so she could scarce turn over the leaves. I very much like i the kiud honest eyes that met mine in . momentary glance; I very much wished the? had been less troubled. Aud I docUledly wished myself well out of the room long botoru I bad finished. The father was querulous, yet deprecatory; the girls tat on in au awkward sihnco. A young follow of about eighteen looked in at the door; his father's introduction drew from him a stiff, hostile bow; turning on his heel be went out, closing the door with a bam; there was a dull anger shown towards me by all by all except Miss Gucbt. I grew to feel almost at If ihe aeurestion was mine; I said witbiu myself that whilst my uncle had undoubtedly acted wisely and kindly by the Guests, he had not shown much coiihi'lcraMou for me. True, ho had protested to wake it entirely optional, but then Going through with Mr. Guest's programme, I reached the oinlng-room and luuuiieon. 'Now do, Dick, no,' I heard Miss Gaest say, from outside the door. 'He is very well, indeed he is. It can't hurt jou to sit down to luuchBon with him. It's because or the servants, you know. Do It to please me. Dick. I dou't want you to talk if you can't,' she added coailugl y coming in as bhe ipake; D,ck treating me to his ana'hemns pretty freely as he followed ber. 'J he color Hew Into her lace at sight ot me, for certainly she had not meant me to bo of her audience. I was soitly tempted to cirry it wuh a Litfhband townrds Mr. Dick, but I kept before me the especial reason of my unrle's choice, and recovered myselt in tini. 1 readily forgave him when I h nrd, as I did afterwards, that hs was expecting his comml.-sioD, wheu this unfor tunate 4:1 ims iu his lather's affairs put off bis expectations indefinitely, een if worse did not follow. It was natural he bhould confound me with this tnihioi tune. Tho younger sister did not ihow hersel. 'Alice has the headache, pupa,' baid Miss Guest, In answer to her fathor, us he too joined us. I guessed that I had as much lo do with uer absence as any indisposi tion. But we bad rot taken our seats when a car riage rolled up the drive. 'Mi-s Bailey, papa !' lil-a (vuest exclaimed 'She will have been into Lorton, and of course has come ou hero know ing it to be our luncheon hour.' I quite uucierrtood their involuntary glances at me, and felt it iLCumbent on me to offer to retire. I dieted to do bo in so many wor K witbout any preamble or reason alleged other tl au the real oi e. Ci riaiuly not,' she said, with the essential politeness ot a kind nature. 'We could not think of it.' I bill 1 proloced my willingness. 'It would be rude, and it would not bs pre ferable even.' she replied, smiling a little, her sttalghttorwardnest equal to my own. Well.it is the irresistible tendency, where it Is youug men and women who are concerned, for these thiri'Sto b come directly personal. Tine, there are the servauis,' said Mr. Gnett, witn an irritable plai ce iu survey of me, fret ting his hands nervously one within the other. 'And Miss Bailey won't see much iu our having a-s ranger to luncheon.' Words that could not have beon ureter frsmeil to lack the genuineness aud ipontancousneti of his duufcutei'g reply. Miss Guest's first alarmed eir.Umatloo was Justified. Mitt Btiley had calculated upon the luncheon hour, and besides developing, a very fair appetite lor tho material vlnnds set before us, also developed a quite rematk able craving at er what ladies term 'news.' 'Well, Frances, what's the news?" was nearly uer first ques tion. Miss Guet colored as sho professed her Igno rance, piobably thinking, it struck me, wnut the answer to-morrow might well be. 8o MUs Bailey proceeded herself to Impart sundry in telligence, iu which Mis Guest, carrying off her secret trouble bravely (she could not keep back a preoccupied sigh now and then), feigned much intere.-t; satisfied so that her father was not called upon. We appeared to be success fully tiding over the mai-apropos visit, until, as luck would have It, tbc lady's lnquisitiven"s8 was directed towards me. Then I qulio laid for everything to come to grief. 'Ah, I suppose, Mr. Llvesav, vou are a stranger to this part of the country ?' said'she, catching quickly at words that implied as much. Khc was what 1 call a dreadful woman; well preserved, fifty or so, with a laeo placid, yet shrewish; amiiing benevoteutly on you with her eyes, but her mouth in contradiction, I said I did not know much of the country. 'But perhaps you nieau to get acquainted with it? Perhaps jou are thinking to settle down amongst us ?' 1 said I was simply on a vi-it, and Mis Guest contrived to get the couver.-atiou into a different chsnncl but not tor lone. 'You find tho air keen here, don't you, Mr. Livesay ?' Baid Miss limley, uuou u ui-cosion of the weather giving her au opening. 'I'm sure I did. But then I'm a native of Devonshire, and you may conic liom northward.' I wished Devonshire had kept her as I said that, on the contrary, I had always live 1 more to the south. 'In London, perhaps?' 'Bless the woman 1' I thought. 'I'll Iry the truth if that will stop her.' lle-itnting a mo ment between Leicestershire aud Oxford, I chose the latter. As it turued out, an unforlu nato choice. 'At the university? Ah 1 At which college would it be? Christchurch ? ah I Hue had a nephew, such a dear fellow, but he was at Brace note. Did I know him ? Dawson, Frank. Dawson? No, I didn't? Well, perhaps she might be able to bring about an acquaintance. Oh, Francesl' turning to IMiss Guest, 'Alice Dawson has bad the sweetest pho'ograph taken.' 'Has she?' said Miss Guest, with the slightest drooping of the eyelids. 'Oh, the most charming portrait 1' blandly beaming on us all. 'l'ou have not seen my niece, Mr. Livesay my niece, Alice Dawson, dear Frauk's sister? 8hewus staving at Kouth wich a month ago. If you were ridiug or driving Harford way, and looked iu ou my little snuggery, I might, now, be able to give you an introduction.' Through all this questioning and my corre sponding answers for, once brought to booK, I bad plunged boldly in media s res, and talked Oil old to any extent, as deeming ths truth safest, from belnjr least open to suspicion on either side as it went on from one assertion to another, Miss Guest's eyes had opened wider aud wldr, and even youug Dick was roused from his moodiness. For all their caution, I caught them signalling their amazement at my audacity to each other with their eyes and, I thought, also the relief my ingenuity, plajing on Miss Ballej 'a credulity, brought them. But when it came to the proffered Introduction, accompanied by all Miss Bailey's reserve of blandoers, I thought they certainly must have exploded with laughter; the better I kept my countenance the more I tried their gravity. As for Mr.. Guest, he looked the reverse of amiable all over at what he took to be my effrontery. At length Miss Bailey proposed departure. They all accompanied ber to the carriage, but whilst Mr. Guest remained for a parting word or two. Miss Guest and Dick made a speedy escape back into the hall. Chancing to bo near tbe door. I had tbe fortune a second time to overhear taem 'Oh I Dick !' said she. 'Oh I Fanny!' and they went off into sup pressed laughter, one against the other. 'Did you ever hear a chap cram like him ?' said Dick, suspending his laughter only for the words. Dear Fnmk !' said she, as soon as she could get breath. 'And dear Frank's sister I But don't let us be stopping here.' Aud giving themselves a minute to recover themselves they came in. 1 purposely caught Dick's eye, and be walked to t ii e window as the sole resource against a second explosion; for being, as you will have observed, a young fellow quick to stand npou his dignity, of course he could not willingly demean himself to exchange mirth with a com mon clcik I But kind, thoughtful Miss Guest, quick to believe that kindness was meant, could tot let it pass without an acknowledgement of my good nature and piomptness to avoid em buriassmeut tor them. And she knew well, none better, bow to thank without admitting too much. I felt it some return for tne inevitable disagreeables of my work only to have had it in my power to put her in so much better spirits; this was just what her fine insight taught her, ai.d by what she emphasized her thanks. Uhe -ked it she could be of any a?istnnce quite cheerfully, and even conversed up.m general topics a little. She only ventured ou a passiug allusion to my daring inventions lor as such she wholly regarded them I was half sorry to know it troni beginning to end over the luu-cbeon-tab'e. and that of the demurest. 'You appear, Mr, Livesay, to be quite familiar with Oxtord; even more so thsn witb Suuth wich.' And iu spite of Lerself, a smile lurked somewhere about her pleasaut face. 'I I in fact, Miss Guest, I 1 was appren ticed at Oxford.' (When I came to this point in telling the day's proceedings to my uncle, he laughed ten ini'iutes off, and then admitted that I had extinguished him. 'As ot course I should,' I affirmed. 'Merely from the result of a high-class education which would, as a plain fact capaide of being argued, be a recurrence to first piinciples aud the simplest tactics.' Wben my uncle informed me my assurance, as he was pleased to cull it, wanted no further elaborating.) I achieved my reply to Miss Cuest In my giavebt manner; but she tnrLtd nway, bit.ug her lip, and, 1 could see, doubled my gravity, just as I had netected the arriere pensee in hers. I was fttronply impelled to disclose tbe whole truth ahcut mrselt, but the fear of compro mising Mr. Smiih Pentlund restrained ine until Mr. Guest and discretion entered together. Bo I brought in v business to a'conciusion, and I diove away lrom C'ulleiton Hmue and tbe Guests, feeling that I had also brought to a con clusion a strange experience for wbich nothing certainly in my life had prepared me, wlncn blanched off from it io au odd s irt cf way, without any kind of connection with it other than ths slight accident of Mr. bniitii I'eutlund's unpieiiH Uiiu'i d request, aud which at oucu passed into the cutalogue oi simple rumuiu Li ant es. True, after lib ft South wick I cues or twice made iuqairies lor the Guests in my letters io my uncle. But the subject was no longer in teiestmg atter hu wrote t tun there had been a revival in their lortunes an old maiden mint some relative or other, dying and leaviug them io end ot a lortuue. 'And,' said my uncle, 'to see Mr. Guest was enough to know thnt no odor of impending bankruptcy cmne now between the wind aud his nobility ' My law hours' ac quaintance with the gentleman taught me all that my uncle would convey, and I was cou-trint-d in my first reading of bis character. ( hriftmas came, aud was, as iu duty bound, spent iu the home at Holber Holt. We had au excessively good tnueot.it; such a goo4, jolly time that nothing slioi t of Hie wedding ot my great chum, Tom Htopford, aud the positive necessity he laid on me ot acting as his best man, could have induc-'d me to quit home tor the Slopfbrds' place in Sussex. Once at Hetton Pai k 1 found m j self Involved in festivities of a week's duration. These over, my return was tiM further delayed, because the good laith of Turn's brother Bob was at least he said it was - implicated in tbe securing me for a graud ball that was lo come off at Grill Hall the residence oi some new comers to that part of the couuty, whose favor Bob evidently sought. They had only not been of tbe company at ffetton because they were from home at Ihe time, From what I heard on difleient sides, the Masous were city fieople. very rich, aud without c lildreu. But he a traction for Bob, aud o ber of the fellows as well, was certain two fair nieces whom they budmvtttt CnU during the sbvoiiug tewou, and who were again tbc Masons' iucts. The brother had also lately joined Bob's regiment, and spent every farthing ot his allowance, and probably something over. . Poor Bob was very epoonev, and raada me bis contidant. He med to moralize lrightially, with A comic face, but not quite taking It all the same. 'I'm a younger son, Livesay, and younger sous don't no dowu with mammas and aunts specially where there's money. Hang money, 1 say I There's Tom's wite, as jolly a little enri as ever a fellow wants to pet him and think him perfection. Would h have fallen in love witb me? Mot she. And jet sho isn't a bit in the world mercenary. She wouldn't have been allouxd, my denrflfellow. It Is all manoged for tbcru. Oh, women are kittle cattle to deal wlthi" And Bob's weed went out of tbe wludow, and we sat on Iu a rather sentimental silence. 'So, ss I said befoie, if you'll arcept the Masons' invitation, jou do me a kindness,' he continued, as soon as he could descend to otac tical mat'cr.s. 'You arc credited with boiug a catch lo the matrimonial market, and we young, rrsons ateonlj looked pleasant upon whuu ' i have bigger fish in tow. Mrs. Maon was proudly pleaded when she saw a po'sibility of getting Mr. Hugh Livesay. She doesn't fall lu'.o testacies, you know quite goes iu for there fined stjle of thing. But she's the deuce aud ail to ci. me at. It waa grand, I assure yoi, quite gtund, to see how sh? mnieuvred lor Frank Carpenter, the swe ll who married old Mason's niece. These girls beloug to her oau people. Come, say you will go 1' beenig th'it a irost bad set in, to the probable stoppage of all huii'irg tor some days, and that I had still a fortnight of my vacation belore mo, I kaid that I would do the obliging, and stay lor the ball. Only ho, wasn't to make a fool of himself. Dou't vou, that's all,' exclaimed tho wildly grateful dtagoon. .'But I say, do any amouut of tlirtiiig with nil or any, only dou't cut me out With Alice.' 'How am I loktow which is Alice? They dou't go about labelled, do thej ?' 'Shi 's the younger. Besides, she's oh, she'a so much prettier I' 'Very well, thou; If I ' 'Shut up, now, will you?' said he, fetching me a tremendous blow iu the buck, iu appre hension of my chaff. We were late In reaching Grill on the night of the ball, and dancing had commenced. When Bob took me up to Mr--. Mason, I felt convinced I must have seen that lady before, so familiar lo nie seemed her well-formed features and stately carriage. As Bob had predicted, she was very gracious, and kept me in conversation until the conclusion of the dance iu progress, whea we entered, aud she offered to find me partners. And if there was roanoevrtng iu it at all, it was very skilful, for she was very careful to intro duce me to three or four ot tbe prettiest girls in the room, and only finished with her eldest niece. Radiant for trouble unburdened from her though she was, bright and beautiful as, say what you can, good lortune will raako people, yet I knew her on the lustant. The broad fore head, the good honest eyes, the sonsie face. ( could not mistake; although there were jewels now in the fair hair, and every circumstance was so contrasted. Aud she knew me. 'Mr. Livesay Miss Guest' Mr. Ma9on called his wile's attention from u-. and so, perbaps fortunately, the surptise of recognition on Miss Guest's side and the surprise and confusion on mine esceped berhootice. In a sort of desperation of embarrassment I asked for tbe next quadrille, aud she, in equal bewlldeimcnt, assented. But as the minutes gave her a better comprehension, she clearly came quite to expect me to withdraw from the positioD. However, I stood my ground dog gedly, Lalf resenting it, although she, of coarse, could only think me guilty of an unwarrantable breach of privilege. The Impression ou her mind would be that I had used my remarkable powers of invention and a sufficiently gentle manly exterior to obtain admittance iato society for which by condition I was not quali fied. She, however, must submit to go through the dance with me, but she did so iu a manner to cold and constrained as to show that sho could be hsr lather's daucnter in spits of the sweeiuets of her disposition. I took it as most decidedly a matter of course that I should be believed, but yet, as you cau well think, it was so difficult a subject to ap proach that not tor some minutes could I satisty myself how to begin. 'Miss Guest,' I said, all possible solicitude in my voice, 'I am aware up earances are against me.' Certainly by her manHir bhe showed no intention of contradict ing me. 'I beg of jou to suspend judgment until I have bten heard in explanation.' 'Most decidedly some explanation is required,' the replied, locking haughtily down, and being at no pains to conceal her anuojance. 'If I may be allowed to take you to Mrs. Mason when this set is over, I am sure I cau saiisty you,' I was going to Bay, but substituted 'her.' bhe made no reply; I could not tell whether I had at all shaken her in her bad im pifsticn of me. '1 assure jou I have done nothing a gentle man might not do. I wish you could think I am speaking truth.' 1 had waited for a favor able interval in which to say it, growing more aud more eager lor w hat she might answer, fche looked up at me quickly, with one of those sudden relcuiings, ball-capricious and wholly sweet and kind. 'I can't quite know yet. I think you are. 'Thank jou,' I replied, warmly. 'I esteem myself already moie ihan compensated for this momentary misconstruction.' Apparently she noticed nothing ot my exceeding earnestness, look ir g straight before her w ilh grave eyes and mouth. I was not quite lo escape a scene, however. Opposite us I saw Mr. Guest, regarding us with the greatest astonishment. Tocouaini himself lie had to resort to his eye-glass, and upon what he saw, went hurriedly and with a face of extreme displeasure to where Mrs, Mason sat. I was fervently thankful, as much for his sake as n,y own, to see that he had sufUcent command over hit indmuation aud disgust to reserve bis accusation until he had diawn her from the crowued ball-room. The dance over, I was just going to suggebt a seaich tor him when he touctito n.e ou trie arm and peremptorily desired a woid wuh me. 'And if jou will allow me,' he added, with fleering politeness, "I should prefer to have Mus Guest under my own care.' Taking, his daughter en his arm, he stalked out of the room, 1 following, half-ancry; also, such is the force ot attcudi nt circumstances, with something of the air of a culprit. Iu a small room at tho buck was till. Masou, looking anything but 'proudly pleased.' 'Comfort yourself, my dear woman,' 1 thought; 'it is me. We'll soon have itiigut. And theu we'll Bee.' By Jove, though, it began hot, and I came out in a character iu which I hardly knew myself; something new it was to hear patiently Biich wordi as were now uodresstd to me by Mr. tucsf. 'So, sir, perhaps you will explain by what im position jou have contrived toobtuin admittance into Mrs. Mutoc's house?' He was so arrogant, that really if it had been any one but Mi.s Guest's father I must hao taken my revenge in chaffing b:m. 'J might well take offense at jour tone, Mr, Guest ' I simply wish to know, befoie I ask you to relieve as of your presence, how you obtuiud J ailu lttauce iuto my sister's house?' 'By the express iuvitatiou ot Mrs. Mason her self,' I rcpiUd, as temperately as it was in human nature to reply to u quc-iion worded so iusiiltiugly. 'As a tnend of Mr. Itobert Siop Jord's, of whose family 1 am now a guest.' 'I bat is no answer at all. How am I to tell how aud wbue you made Mr. 8topford's ac quaintance? 1 have bad a sample oi jour in genuity belore, Mr. Livesay, if that's really your tihiue, It is my opinion you are nothing more than an udvvutiucr, sir; a low adventurer.' He was lapidly talking himself Into a rage, and 1 cenftss to a considerable degree of heat in my own answer to this, I drew myself up with angry contempt. 'My name is Livesay, I beg to inform you I am not iu the babUof assuming false names. My lather is a gentleman of standing in Lelces tercbire. With my uncle, Mr. hmlt a Pentland, I believe jou are well acquainted, I was staying at bis house when I madHacull upon you, I admit in a rather singular character. But it was at Mr. Pentlaud's request, and solely because none ot his people of business whom he could send on an etlair so private were at liberty.' 'Ah I 1 quite understand you. You will bold Bo threats oyer me, Ujougu, A gentleman used not be ashamed to have been l difficulties, although it might be cotiveuieui at the tme to keep it quiet, xou won't tbtea'en tns' I coal i not get a word of disclaimer iu edrywav, no wrathful was he. 'it is more tbno ever mj opinion that you are nothing b'Jt an hdvei.turc. I raw something of jour Inventive powers tuen, remember!' 'There was no invention about i Mr. Goes'. I wat, and am still, studying at Ox onl.' Mist Guest's fare had hern entreating her father thin long while. 'I tulnk Mr. Livesty is to bo believed, papa,' she bal.'-timldly Inter posed. Francs, I am Burprlsed you should have so little tene of propriety.' Miss Guest, winclrg ander her father's se verity, and reddening violtntly, made a minut study of her bouquet. I meant after tbis to eiact a price for the afftont put npm mc, and so again recovered my temper, and strove lor a peaceful solution. With what vuil you be satlsacd, Mr. Gue3t? With Mr. btop'ord's word?' 'I don t vouch for all Mr Robert Stooford's acquaintances.' Poor Bob! it he had only heard. I mi.de a gesture of impatience. 'is there no one from your neighborhood here, Mr. Livesay ?' asked Mrs. M.ison, who would be only too pleased to have me verified, and yet retained her caution. 'My btotner Is naturally dcsiri us ot proof; vou nod not take it us a perscuul matter. There is Lady Duncan Knox ?' 'Lady IMhichu ? Oh, 1 am qu te reudy to be con'ronud with Lady Duncan Knox.' A little scoin ul 1 al'owed myself to be. now that I saw my wav out of the inuCdle. 'I'll go into the bull-room, it you olease, and you seimrnte your self lrom me- it shall ail be plain now and cull Lady Dut.cun's attention lo mo. Itbiulc you will I e satisfied, Mr. Guest.' Of course the proof tendered was unimpeach able; and seeing me so contident, Air. Guest cooled down with rather ludicious rapidity, and ludeed was altogether nonplused. Like a cieatmany people, who mostly bod themselves In the end in a preilicnnient because of it, ho had determined, with or aanlnst reason, that a certain thing teas to be. He had dcaided tbat I was an Impostor: aud now that it appeared nirre than doubtful, he was not very com fort able. 'It is so difficult to know whom to believe,' he said, almost apologetically, as he led the way. Miss Guett, with Mrs. Mson, followed us at a short interval. 1 caught a ci de-glimpse of her, talking with, for her, uousual impetuosity to her aunt. Once in the room the proceeding showed itself to Mr. Guest yet more equivocil. 'Keally, we might. I thick, dispose with auy test,' said he, condescendingly. '1 prefer that Lady Duncan should be spoken to. I insist upon it, indeed.' I hadn't half done with Mr. Guost, jou see. I might want him again. At once more assured and more uncomfort able, he went across to my lady; I standing alone tor some minutes, outwardly with an air ot unconcern, inwardly with an absurd sense of bt ing surveyed, boon I became aware that Mr. Guest was guiding the lady through the crowd to w heie I stood. 'How do you do, Mr. Livesay?' said she. coming up Willi extended hand, 'how do you do? Mr. Guest happened to mention jour name, and I begged him to escort me to you. We are only just from Home, and I am dying for home news. Is Mr. i orris going to stand lor the county ?' Lady Duucan Knox was a merry voluble womun of flve-and-toirty or so; very friendly wiih my mother, and a relative of my father' j besides. 'I dou't think Mr. Norris will stand.' 'Then jour father, perhaps?' said she, with immense interest. 'No, I think not. My father prefers his pre sent seat for the borough.' 'And whn Bhall 1 see my dear Mrs. Livesay in town ? Not before the House sits, I fear?' 'I suppose not; my mother is l ot foud of town, you know. They aro arranging the sets; may I have the pleasure of this dance wuh your ladyship?' 'Me? I'm engaged five deep. Perhaps a later one.' And she moved away. I locked hastily over my shoulder to where I knew Fiauces Guest was, and upon impulse stie smiled buck her pleasure. I was making towards her when her father detained me. 'Mr. Livesay, 1 don't know how to frame my excuses to vou for my rudeness. It is little atonement I can make except in the way of wordt.' None is needed, sir,' I answered promptly; because, of course, I wasn't going to make it a quarrel now. Aud indeed he badn't sookeu badly. We are all liable to slight mistakes, Mr. Gufst' 'I can't forgive myself to easily; I am afraid I was too much annoyed to be just. We do hear of ench deceptions nowadays that really I totk tbe alarm too quickly. It seems almost an Insult alter what hat passed, but if at any time jou are down at Southwich, and you like to call at Cullerton House, you will be sure of a wilcome, and you will do me a favor.' I thanked him heartily, and proved my sin cerity by escaping to Miss Guest as soon ns politeness allowed. I found it would be late before she could give mc a dauce, but, half in pique, I stood out uniil my turn came. ' ou are not dancing much tc-night,' she said, as we took our places. 'Sometimes 1 like the other thing best.' 'I'm afraid,' said she, in a tone of vexation, 'it's because the evening has been so disagree able for you. 'L's very good for you to distress yourself about me. But it has not been altogether disagreeable, indeed.' I could not help speaking significintly; somehow, the tone had got into my voice, aud I cotld not get it out. 'What jou did, Mr. Livesay, you did in kind ness, too.' But 1 do take some blame to myself. You see, Miss Guest, it is not right tor a man to put himself iu a false position. At least well I ciol'1 know, I'm sure. 1 onco argued who. my uncle, and we left off precisely where we began.' 'But you did it in the kindest way, and with the klrdcst Intention Well, you know, it becomes really pleasant to accuse oneself when one has eo cuarming au ndvicate, self-enlisted. I said some loolisb words of the sort, hhe blushed, but sho had sucb a staid, demure way ot listening to gallant speeches that really oue was tempted ou to words iLoie and more meanli.g. 'I say, wiren't jou flirting last nlsrbt, Livesay V 6aid Bob next mori lug, striving to organize cer tain piecemeal recollections. 1 put him off with some light speech, for you may he sure I should not make his coutldeuco reciprocal. But 1 don't mind admitting no at tbat 1 let t tbe Masons' ball wuh a very gravely damaged anatomy. I must have bteu hit deeply, lor the frost broke up, and 1 still preferred f-ussex for the remainder of tho vacation. How ever, it is reassuring lo know that I could take interest in tne furtherance and enjoyment othe d'fit rent social courtesies between Hetton and Grill Hall. Nor was this all. On the next occa sion of seeiog Mr. Ism it ti Pentland I expressed such pleasant remembrances ot my lauautumn't visit that he iuvited me to repeat it iu tho coming one. But I am almost ashamed to say that, once ut houthwich, I still more adroitly contrived to be invited on to Cullerton iisetr. For the parrridae-shooting, my host said my own object I did not talk much about then. You won't say I spsd badly, though, whn I tell you tbat Ihe Christinas saw me at Grill Hall, the accepted and approved suitorof sweet, dear Frances Guebt. Ah will, tbat is five years ago. My wife sits by my hearthside to-day, with sweeter, dearer wajs'thun ever, I think. NTIWINDOW KATTLER, for i w filings, Cum, KteuuiuouiM, Etc. nevfnta RntlllnK and Shaking of tbe Win dow a by the wind or other cuuses, tlgntana tbe sash. 1'ievents tbewlndanddnstfroiu eutcrlug, t-usliy mtacbed, and requires but a alugle glHone to Judge of its inertia. Cull on lue Ueueral Agent, ! O. P. ROSE, No. 727 JAYNE Street, - Between Market and Chesnut, 12 11 Xmw3m Philadelphia.' HOLIDAY GOODS. GREAT D I 6 P L A Y, ! ' ' j HOLIDAY GOODS. , I Writing Dcf-kft, Rosewood, Mahogany, Walnut and Paple .ai acne. Leather Writing Coes. Iliukgnmnion Hoards. tiold l'cus; fames. Water Colors. l'urlor Croquet, from $10 per set np. j Boxes of Taper and Envelopes, stamped Willi blrda, butterflies, flowers, elo., for Presouta. i R. HOSEtlNG & CO., Stationers and Engravers, AO. 013 A It C U S T II 12 13 T. OrEN EVEMNO. 12 1'2 stuthetrp 31 C V. A. TRUMPLER, AO. 1)23 CllEMiUT ST., Offers for Holiday Presents MUSIC FOLIOS, U s I c JONES, TKMI'LE 4 CO., FASHIONABLE H A TTKItB, No, 26 B. NINTH Rlreet, ' First door stiove Cliesuut street. 4 9 ELEGANTLY BOUND MUSIC B00K3, SHEET MUSIC, 12 18 6rp ' 1 OPERA GLASSES. HOLIDAY GOOD 8. We bave now on ban a the Urgent nrt flat m- settmentof XAbCY uooiw ever cflVrwa tome poo l's, ot tbe newest deslgijii, oi law Importations, and at UM'iecedeutedly low pric.-r. tKONZK U.OCKH. bTATCABY, INKSTANDS, PAK1AN GEOCPS, BUSTS, BTATTJETTK8 AND CHINA AND BOT1KMIAN VASES, TOILET kh.ru UOV UUtT 11U1.KKKS, ETU LAVA feMoKINU HK'l'rt, C1UAR HOLDERS. WA K H AMD TOBACCO JJOXEa. J AKDINlEKKHoi vmrlous designs, rlchl7 moantel tin Wood D1 Kronen. BKONZE ASD CHINA CRD STAMH FLOWER roTti, HANtiiNU VASEd. ETC ETC S. A. HARRISON, Ho. IOIO CHESNUT Street, 11 8tulh0lrp PHILADELPHIA. HOLIDAY GOODS At Greatly Red need Prices. AWN VAIN, TOT BOOKN, l'BAl Kit BOOK, BIBLES, ETC. ETC. CHARLES JJESILVJGIK, No. 1220 CIIESXUT Slrccl, 12 16 tbslu9Mp PHILADELPHIA. HOLIDAY AND WEDDING PREBENl S. WILSON & STELLWAQEN,. No. 1028 CHESNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. WATOHB S. JEWELRY, DIAMONDS, BRIDAL BILVEtt, MUSICAL BOXES, AND FINE FRENCH CLOCKS. All of which we are offering AT REDUCED RATES. 12 17 lit, HOLIDAY- GOODS. EDWARD OHRISTMANN OFFERS A LAIIOE VARIETY OP'' PAKCT ARTICLES, DUE- SINO C'ASI 8, PERFUMERY, XOILET REQUISITES, COl'LERir, ETO. ETC. ALL AT THE LOWEST PRIOfS. EDWARD OIIRISTMANN, 12 leutrp So. 702 CIlKSXUtT Street. TISFUL AND ORNAMENTAL HOLIDAY U PRAsEMH. UhS. M. A. BINDER'S, No. Juai CHKNUT Street. Polls, Card Bankets, cigar Cases, bwoklng daps, I'oi imiouualia, Leather Ootids, Zephyr Huppera, CusIiIuiib nu Tidies, Lace Ujodn lu 'liirnad, Muipure, Cluuy, ValtudTues. pulut Appilque, Collars, Beta and liarceo, Colflurrs, HuudkerclUbM, Will to walita, lieriliaB, Cheujloeius. A beautiful assortment of Flue Jewelry, new styles. Jet, Ollt, Pearl, bieel. Coral, aud Halo heta. ClialbH, MecklacFH. Haudkerulilef Holders, Studs. Sleeve Bullous aud Hi nee em. Head Ureases for Panlea and Operas, Ine l aua anil Faury Ho"Un. Rlbboua. Jouvln'a Eld Ulovfs, Bridal Vel'S aud, W realLS. "ren Ii Cornel. Hoop Hklrt. lfu pairs very rlcli Embroidered tsllppera at f 1 75 aud i Store open even In s during holidays. 12U12t P B E IS JE N T S. KoilfH nnil 'WoMtciiIioIm'M Pocket lilliVl'N, KlIZOl'N, 1111(1 NC'IMNOrtt. LADIES' SCISSORS, IN CASES. OEMS' DRESt 1KU-CASES, ETC. 51 A1KI ISA'S, No. Ill TIIMH Street, below t'hesmtt. PKKSKNTS FOR A DKAV PRIEND are the IiN 81 Kl Ml'-IsTd lo asitibt llie HEARING, at MA DEIRA'S, No. lit Team m.. below cuesnut. U 18 HATS AND CAPS. v WAUBUKTON'a IMPROVED VtSNTI 4a laied, and eaHy-ntthig T'resa liaia (patented), la all Hie Improved laaliious ot tbn deaeon. CHICS NUT Btreet. next door te tbe Font Office. UMfip , JOHN C R U M P, CARPENTER AND BUILDER, 81itpHiNo.213LODGESireettaud No. 1733 CHESS IX Street, PHILADELPHIA. ALEXANDER (3. c TTELL & CO PRODUCE COMMISSION MERCHANTS, No. Hi NORTH WHARVES AND No. 27 NORTH VyATJCR STREET, tit llAUELi iilA tt LJJAH OATTBOJk WILLIAM S. GRANT Commission merchant. Nr. 1 8. DELA Wi RE Avenue, Philadelphia. AUK NT FOR Dnpnnt's Onnaowder. Reflued Nitre, Charcoal, etO W. Baker A Co.'a Chocolate, Cocoa, and Brouia, trucker Uroa. Co.'S V allow Metal fthea.hlng fiOlW, Mid Nails. 14
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers